France: Port will see new checkpoints established in near future
British immigration controls will be established in the French port of Calais in a new effort to control illegal immigration and terrorism. Following the closure of the Sangatte refugee camp near the port, the problem of illegal immigrants has spread along much of the northern France coastline, and the Home Secretary David Blunkett believes that controls will be tighter if checks can be made on the other side of the English Channel. Future plans involve placing UK immigration officials at ports all along the northern coast of Europe. Blunkett said: “I am driving forward a major programme of reform to cut abuse and strengthen our borders. But the UK does not face these challenges alone – that is why we must continue to work together to find solutions with our allies across Europe. People will be refused entry to the UK before they cross the Channel.” The Home Office press office was not able to say whether the new initiative would affect UK travellers.
